Leadership in Homecare Services – What Works Well?
Our research brings together insights from 90 homecare professionals working across England to explore the key elements of effective leadership in homecare services.
Drawing on insights from our professional support and development programmes with homecare leaders, interviews with those working in a range of roles for a large homecare provider, and a scoping review of the literature, our report identifies the challenges faced by homecare leaders and the effective strategies they use to support their teams and deliver high-quality care.
Our report outlines six interwoven elements that underpin successful leadership in homecare.
Full research report
Hear the full insights shared by homecare leaders, managers and care teams.
Short Report Summary
A 6 page summary of the research and key findings.
The Six Elements of Good Leadership
Building trust through consistency, shared decision-making, positive recognition, and sufficient access to training.
“We can openly voice concerns, there is good comradery, [the branch manager] asks for views, we all talk about it, there is no browbeating, we have ‘always here to help’ each other in our minds.”
(Homecare worker)
Fostering connection through regular communication, appreciation, and open conversations – despite time-pressured environments.
“As a manager, always providing the personal touch to carers e.g. I ring them if I hear some positive feedback so they receive lots of praise…”
(Homecare leader)
Modelling positive values and behaviours, and empowering carers to form meaningful relationships with the people they support and their teams.
“We’re not micro-managed and so we feel empowered, we are a kind team.”
(Homecare leader)
Ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, and that it is clear who to ask for support and how decisions are made.
“[We have] very clear role descriptions agreed with the manager so it’s clear when decisions should be passed on.”
(Homecare leader)
Using feedback and complaints as learning opportunities, plus maintaining strong relationships and regular communication with clients and families.
“I have a very good relationship with customers and next of kin/ their partners and so they always tell me [if there is a problem]. I always end any update with ‘Anything I should know about or you want to let me know?’ I do a monthly email to next of kin/partners to keep them involved and say let us know if there is anything they need to discuss.”
(Homecare leader)
Spreading risk to sustainably grow client numbers, investing in workforce development, collaborating with the wider health and social care system, and with local communities.